The Lebanese Diaspora Energy conference for North America will be held on the 15th & 16th of September 2018 at Palais des congrès de Montréal, Canada

The Lebanese Diaspora Energy conference for North America will be held on the 15th & 16th of September 2018 at Palais des congrès de Montréal, Canada

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Letter

Minister's Letter

Fellow Lebanese,

With great pleasure, I invite you to the 3rd edition of the “Lebanese Diaspora
Energy – LDE North America” that will be held on the 15th and 16th of
September 2018 at the “Palais des Congrès de Montréal”. This edition will
be characterized by its “NextGen Vibe” theme that will give the spotlight to
the emerging talent with their innovative ideas, aspirations and
entrepreneurial spirit.
I encourage you to be part of LDE Montreal and keep promoting Lebanon to
our leaders of tomorrow, by strengthening their ties to the land of their
ancestors.

Since its launching in Beirut 2014, LDE has gathered and connected, in Lebanon and around the
globe, thousands of those incredible citizens of the world just like you, whose wings carried them well
beyond the Lebanese territory, while their roots remained forever strongly attached to the Land of the
Cedars.

Come live this exceptional experience with a dynamic audience of youth, experts, entrepreneurs, as
well as high representatives of the economic, cultural and political sectors in Lebanon and in
North-America. Seize the opportunity to dive into the intense Lebanese culture in a North-American
city famous for its French vibe.

Looking forward to welcoming you and sharing unforgettable moments during LDE Montreal.

08:00 – 09:00 REGISTRATION & LIGHT BREAKFAST

09:30 – 11:00 LDE MONTREAL OFFICIAL OPENING

11:00 – 11:15 COFFEE BREAK

11:15 – 12:30 SESSION 1: “LEBANITY”

What makes us Lebanese? How do we define Lebanity? Do frontiers and generations alter our identity? What do Lebanese at home and in the diaspora have in common, and how can our strengths be put to good use in – and outside – Lebanon? Lebanese men and women all over the world have been succeeding brilliantly in many fields as individuals. How can we become a strong collective? What are the main Lebanese values that we can build on? Today Lebanon faces many challenges and desperately needs to rely on its diaspora and its youth. How do we keep our children born in adoptive countries interested in Lebanon? Can we prevent Lebanity from dilution in future generations?The panel: generation I, II and III from the Lebanese diaspora, influencers who have Lebanon at heart, will discuss issues such as: identity v/s citizenship, Lebanese strengths and weaknesses, the diaspora’s responsibilities towards the adoptive land and the homeland, opportunities and solutions.

12:45 – 14:00 LUNCH

14:00 – 15:15 SESSION 2: “GAS & OIL”

Tapping on the business opportunities generated by Lebanon’s Oil and Gas Exploration
Lebanon oil and natural gas sector is not only about exploring and drilling. This major undertaking will have spillover effects on a myriad of investment and business opportunities for small and medium enterprises, in direct and related activities, such as real estate, transportation, logistics, financial, human resources, and professional services. Cleantech start-ups are also bringing innovative solutions to this industry.
The panel will explore the sustainable conditions and structural reforms that will encourage North-American companies and experts of Lebanese origin to participate and support the emerging ecosystem of this promising sector. This can be materialized through the transfer of technology, know-how sharing and direct investment.

15:15 – 16:30 SESSION 3: “EDUCATION”

Are Lebanese Graduates Ready to Embrace the Evolving Tech-Driven Workplace? The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and New Technology on Lebanon’s Higher Education.
Higher education is caught amid whirlwind changes taking place. They are technological, though also demographic, social, and economic. Given the possibility – even likelihood – of being outpaced, universities need to pivot quickly. Foresight requires a swift follow-through of smart, timely, adequate responses. Engaged universities anticipate changes and make the necessary transformations. This panel is about thinking of the future – what it will look like given regional differences, academic cultures, and institutional capacity to innovate.
Topics for discussion are:

How artificial intelligence stands to impact education and research financing

Trends in continuing education

Importance of student diversity

16:30 COFFEE BREAK

16:45 – 18:00 SESSION 4: “GASTRO-DIPLOMACY”

Boosting the exportation of main Lebanese culinary products in North-America through the initiative of the “Gastronomic Diplomacy”.
Food is ID and our Lebanese heritage is well known by its rich culinary art and the diversity of its products. A Lebanese table is the key in assembling people together by creating unforgettable precious moments. With the “Gastronomic Diplomacy” launched by the MoFA during the LDE in May 2018, it is essential today to create a specialized entity dedicated to the promotion of this special heritage by helping the exportation of some of the main Lebanese specialties like wine, arak, olive oil and thyme.

After more than 36 hours of working, with the guidance of mentors, to develop their innovative ideas, teams will be evaluated by a committee and selected ones will get the chance to pitch their ideas in front of a jury and the audience. Prizes will be offered to the finalists.

11:00 – 12:30 SESSION 7: “MULTICULTURAL INNOVATION CORRIDOR”

Innovation and entrepreneurship are part of the Lebanese DNA and many North-American startups have Lebanese among their founders and some Startups in Lebanon are ready and looking to expand to North-America. In support to the Lebanese Startup community, this panel will highlight the opportunities and expertise of all stakeholders to collaborate in order to bridge the Lebanese and North-American ecosystems.